Eddie O’Neill/Daily Mining Gazette Lake Linden-Hubbell’s Josh Daavettila (20) puts up a free throw as the Dollar Bay-Tamarack City Blue Bolts block out Lakes players on Tuesday at the Lake Linden gym.

LAKE LINDEN — There is something to be said for being four to six inches taller than your opponent on the basketball court. That was certainly evident Tuesday as the “giants” of the Lake Linden-Hubbell boys team dominated the glass and paint against the smaller-statured Dollar Bay-Tamarack City Blue Bolts. It led to an 84-59 win for the Lakes and their second win against the Blue Bolts this season.

“I thought we shot the ball well and moved the ball around as well,” noted Lakes’ coach Brett Poissant. “Also, our defense was strong and that set the tone in the first half.”

The Lakes (17-3) led 20-8 after the first and 45-19 at half. The Lakes six-foot-four Gabe Popko set the tone under the basket with his power move to the hoop and rebounding prowess. He had 24 points on the night. He was only outscored by teammate and sharp shooter Danny Marcotte who led with 28 points. He opened the second quarter with four consecutive three pointers which only widened the Lakes’ lead to more than 25 points. As well, he was 7 for 7 from the free throw line.

Even coach Jesse Kentala, of Dollar Bay-Tamarack City, noted the difference these two athletes had in their win.

“Danny and Gabe are their two best players, and they played like it,” he said. “They were very good and very hard to stop.”

While the Blue Bolts (9-13) had their own three-point spree to open the third — outscoring their opponent 11-2 in the first few minutes, it proved to be futile as the Lakes got back on track in the fourth to win this one by 25.

Leading the Blue Bolts in scoring was Liam Tourtillot with 26 points. This included four triples. Caleb Kentala followed him with 11.

With postseason play looming, both coaches noted that they are where they need to be in the final week of the regular season.

“I’m e2xcited where we are in terms of playing as a team,” said Poissant. “And I like where we are headed.”

Kentala expressed a similar sentiment as he stated, “I like where we are at. We are ready to go.”

UP NEXT

Tuesday’s game concluded the Blue Bolts regular season. They will open district play on Monday against Baraga.

The Lakes will wrap up their regular season tonight in Calumet. Tip-off is set for 7:15 p.m.